Michael Steuerman Award

Michael Steuerman Award
Dedicated in Memorial to Michael Steuerman
1937-2006

On Thursday afternoon, March 9, 2006 with his wife Elizabeth holding one hand, Julie, his daughter, holding the other and his best friend, Al Higgins at his feet, Michael Steuerman died, very peacefully. Michael had an amazing life, impacting people at the most human level and also influencing world policy. He was appointed to the faculty of Bronx Community College, City Univ. of NY, in 1959. In his subsequent 40 year career at the University he would serve as a professor, wrestling coach, department chairman, dean, and university athletic director. Over many years, Michael’s work as an activist in the community had been continuous and consistent. While at Bronx Community College, he volunteered and then served as Chairman of the Board for the non-profit organization Self Help and Resource Exchange (SHARE), a food program that came to serve 14,000 families in New York State Michael won a prestigious grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education (FIPSE) to bring the concept of SHARE and its student involvement to colleges throughout the nation. He did that successfully, and received many regional and national honors. Michael at varied times in his career had served on the boards of World Runners and Impact on Hunger, both, community development organizations. In recent years, he was active as a member of a global investment group supporting The Hunger Project, and he had traveled to Senegal, Ghana, Uganda, and Bangladesh to view its work in those countries. Michael’s professional interests had led him to work as a consultant in team building, visionary planning, and cultural diversity.

He served on the board of directors of the Society for Experiential Education (SEE). The SEE is made up of professional educators whose mission it is to make “experience” an integral part of education at every level. SEE honored Michael as Pioneer of the Year at its convention in the year 2000. He was an incredible friend to the Society and his passing left a void in those whose own lives were touched by him. We are a better society for his involvement and a better world for his life.

The Michael Steuerman Award is given only occasionally, to a member of SEE whose selfless dedication and tireless spirit has left a lasting impact on the society and on everyone in it……